UNLOCK Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

unlock

verb

ˌən-ˈläk

Definition of unlock

as in to unleash

to set free (from a state of being held in check) that last insult unlocked her tongue, and she finally said what she really thought

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unlock Just don’t expect the timing or the number three to unlock special benefits. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026 Students unlock their pouches, grab their devices and head home. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 In fact, subscribers across nearly every major pay TV provider — including recent additions Comcast Xfinity and YouTube TV — can unlock the full ESPN Unlimited tier experience on the ESPN App at no additional cost. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026 One man first attempts to use what appears to be a Slim Jim tool to unlock one of the front doors from the outside. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock

Verb

Catastrophic wall of water and mud unleashed by a collapsing glacier tore through villages on the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 353 people and leaving more than 1,300 missing, including scores of foreign pilgrims.

— Niranjan Shrestha, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Nepali officials have said the floods were likely unleashed by a glacial collapse, which is when a large piece of ice, rock and debris suddenly detaches from a glacier on a mountain.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unleash

Verb

Police were not immediately releasing the victims’ names pending notification of their families.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
The trailer was released Monday before the Cubs showdown with the Brewers, which usually would’ve been the big story of the day if not for the fact that Milwaukee led the division by eight games with a month left.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of release

Browse Nearby Words

unloads

unlock

unlocked

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“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlock

verb

Example Sentences

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